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Minister of State Kent Marks Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence Day

(No. 240 - August 31, 2009 - 3:30 p.m. EDT) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today congratulated the people of Trinidad and Tobago as they celebrate their country’s Independence Day:

"Canada salutes the people of Trinidad and Tobago as they mark their country’s independence. Canada and Trinidad and Tobago have a long history of very close relations based on our shared Commonwealth history and ties in a wide range of sectors, including migration, education, health, energy and financial services. We look forward to continuing our strong relations.

"I have made two visits to Trinidad and Tobago, and each time I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the importance of Canada’s partnership with that country. When Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to host the Summit of the Americas, we worked together very closely in order to ensure the Summit’s success.

"Trinidad and Tobago has a vibrant cultural and music heritage, and introduced the world to the rhythms of calypso and steelpan. The diaspora here in Canada has contributed to our cultural mosaic. Since its inception in 1967, thousands of tourists from around the world have flocked to Toronto’s renowned Caribana Festival, which is based on Trinidad and Tobago’s world-famous Carnival."